2018 Arizona mixed

This trip to Arizona has been great fun. It’s always nice to see a spectacular sunset

Rattlesnakes, these are used for snake proofing dogs. My Blue Heeler, Concho, is now snake proofed .

and my friends house in Buckeye seems to be a prime place for them. One Saturday we went to a nearby ranch were a man was doing snake avoidance training for dogs.

On evening at that same friend’s place we watched some team ropers practice. Taking photos under the lights was a challenge but fun, too.

Team roping evening practice

My Casita at the rally at Quartzite, Dome Rock in the distance

From Buckeye I went to the fiberglass RV rally at Quartzite where friends from all around the country gathered. Then I went south to spend a few days in the Yuma area. Lots of cultivation there with some huge cabbages ready for picking.

A friend with her yearling Arabian colt at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.

Back in Buckeye we went to the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show one morning to see a friend show her colt.

My friend found out about a Mexican Cabalgata that was scheduled for Saturday morning so we went. What an interesting event to attend. When we got there the landowner came over to welcome us. As the Caballeros arrived with their horses

A caballero on his horse

it became apparent this is quite an event for them. I was watching it all with my camera in hand and a couple of the caballeros came over and spoke with me. I learned that the horses that really caught my eyes do have Andalusian blood (not surprising when you see them). As the morning progressed the band tuned up and started playing and more and more horses & riders arrived. Cabalgata loosely means horse procession from what I understand. Unlike the Arabian show where so much seems artificial, horses, preparation, presentation, etc. these horses and riders were natural. The horses were beautifully clean but

Caballero and his steed heading into the desert.

not otherwise enhanced (if they were it was impossible to see). Their actions were natural to them, not exaggerated. All in all it was a delight to see them and watch them in action and to see the caballeros on them. The camaraderie was apparent and the lack of competition refreshing.

Another series of wonderful pictures, Jean. I am enjoying scenes of your travels so much. So glad you are having a fabulous trip. Looking forward to catching up when you get home again. Blessings, Donna